By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 29: The Sarawak Consumers Association (PPS) has called for tougher penalties for online fraud and related offences, warning that low fines may not deter scammers.
In a statement, the association raised concerns about several media reports of online fraud and other offences in which some offenders were fined only a few thousand ringgit, including between RM3,000 and RM5,000, depending on the charges and circumstances of the cases.
“If victims lose far more money than the fines imposed, or offenders gain much more from illegal activities than the penalties they receive, we must ask whether such punishments are truly enough to deter scammers,” it said.
It also warned that if the cost of committing offences is too low, irresponsible individuals may begin treating fines merely as the ‘cost of doing illegal business’.
For repeat, organised, or large-scale offences involving multiple victims or multiple locations, PPS said tougher penalties with stronger deterrent effects should be considered.
Meanwhile, the association also called for the government to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing among the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Immigration Department, and other enforcement agencies over numerous complaints involving foreign nationals in home repair scams.
It said the scammers would advertise their ‘services’ on social media—including free inspections—and, once engaged, enter consumers’ homes, carry out what they described as inspections and repair work, then charge fees amounting to thousands of ringgit.
In several cases, PPS said questions were raised over whether the individuals had valid work permits, why payments were made into personal bank accounts, why problems remained unresolved after payment, and why the service providers later became difficult or impossible to contact.
The association said its greatest concern is that some victims who lodged police reports claimed their complaints did not receive appropriate follow-up action, leaving them unsure where else to seek assistance.
PPS president Dr Wynson Ong Teck Ping said the association does not view this issue through the lens of nationality, but through compliance with the law.
“Malaysia welcomes tourists, investors, and foreign nationals who enter the country legally and respect our laws. However, if visa-free facilities are abused to work illegally, conduct business without authorisation, or deceive consumers, firm action must be taken,” he said.
PPS said that if the government allows easier entry for foreign nationals, it also has a responsibility to ensure adequate monitoring and enforcement mechanisms after they enter the country.
“Entry points should not be relaxed while enforcement within the country becomes weak, leaving Malaysians to bear the losses,” it said.
The association also urged authorities to investigate cases where individuals enter Malaysia under the visa-free scheme or as tourists but later carry out home repairs, renovation work, take on projects, or provide paid services.
PPS stressed that visa-free entry does not mean foreign nationals are free to work in Malaysia, nor are they exempt from Malaysian laws.
“The government opened Malaysia’s doors to attract tourists, investment, and economic opportunities—not to create opportunities for irresponsible individuals to enter the country, work illegally, or prey on consumers.
“Illegal employment must be eradicated. Fraud must be dealt with firmly. Punishments must have sufficient deterrent effect. And victims who have lodged police reports should not be left without knowing where to seek justice.”
The association urged those who need assistance to contact them at 017-710 9299. — DayakDaily
